Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty

Definition

The Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty was an agreement signed in 1903 between the United States and Panama, granting the U.S. control over the Panama Canal Zone in exchange for a payment and guarantees of Panamanian independence. This treaty significantly shaped U.S. foreign policy in Latin America and set the stage for the construction of one of the most strategically important waterways in the world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty was negotiated by Philippe Bunau-Varilla, a French engineer and lobbyist who played a crucial role in promoting U.S. interests in Panama.
2. The treaty provided the U.S. with a 10-mile-wide strip of land for the Panama Canal Zone, along with a one-time payment of $10 million and an annual rental fee of $250,000.
3. Panama gained independence from Colombia just days before signing the treaty, making it a controversial agreement as many felt it favored U.S. interests over Panamanian sovereignty.
4. The treaty was signed on November 18, 1903, and ratified by the U.S. Senate shortly thereafter, despite objections from some Panamanian leaders.
5. The control over the Panama Canal had profound implications for U.S. military and economic power, allowing it to project influence across Central America and into Asia.

Review Questions

• How did the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty impact Panama's national sovereignty?
  • The Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty had significant implications for Panama's national sovereignty as it effectively allowed the United States to exert control over a crucial area within Panama. The treaty was negotiated under circumstances where Panama had just gained independence from Colombia, which raised questions about the legitimacy of the agreement. Many Panamanians felt that their government was essentially being manipulated by U.S. interests, leading to long-standing resentment toward American involvement in their affairs.
• Analyze how the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty reflects broader trends in U.S. foreign policy during this period.
  • The Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty exemplifies a period when U.S. foreign policy shifted towards greater interventionism and imperialism in Latin America. It showcases how the U.S. sought to expand its influence through strategic agreements rather than outright colonization. This approach is also illustrated by policies like the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, which justified intervention to maintain stability in Latin American countries, reflecting a broader trend of asserting U.S. dominance in the region.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty on U.S.-Latin American relations.
  • The long-term consequences of the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty have had lasting effects on U.S.-Latin American relations, establishing a precedent for U.S. interventionism that would continue throughout the 20th century. This treaty contributed to a perception of American imperialism, fostering distrust among Latin American nations towards U.S. intentions. Furthermore, it laid the groundwork for future conflicts and tensions in the region, as local populations began to resist perceived foreign control over their sovereign affairs, influencing subsequent U.S.-Latin American interactions well into modern times.

Related terms

Panama Canal: A major artificial waterway completed in 1914 that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, dramatically shortening maritime trade routes.

Roosevelt Corollary:

An extension of the Monroe Doctrine articulated by President Theodore Roosevelt, asserting the right of the U.S. to intervene in Latin American countries to maintain stability.

Sovereignty:

The authority of a state to govern itself or another state, which was a central issue in the negotiations surrounding the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty.